Sideswipe

Brash modelling the models: Don Brash, when he was managing director of Trustee Bank Holdings in 1988, poses with models wearing the bank's new corporate wardrobe.

Seen in the For Sale postcards in Foodtown Howick: "ARK WELDER. Good condition, $120ono". Well it might be in good shape but how old is it?

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Things my family prefers over gay marriage:

1. Unhappy marriage (straight)

2. Sluttiness (straight)

3. Death penalty (electric)

4. Culottes

5. War

(Source: by Will Bilyeu on mcsweeneys.net)

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Allan Mearns couldn't help noticing the Daffodil Lady in Symonds St outside SAP House on Friday morning.

He says, "She was one of those people who went that little bit further and gave that little bit extra. She wore a pink jacket and million dollar smile and her heart was obviously in what she was doing.

"Most people stopped, and most of them did their bit for the good cause. She held their bags and parcels while they fished in their purses and flashed her memorable smile as they left.

"I'd already bought a daffodil on the way to work but stopped to buy a couple for people I work with so maybe I'm just a sucker for a pretty face and a fabulous smile, but I went away feeling grateful for people like her and a bit of good old-fashioned 'setting a good example'. Well done Daffodil Lady. I hope you never need the people you were working so hard for."

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The Scotsman reports Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has a new way of dealing with press criticism. Every time reporters ask questions he deems "not constructive", the PM raises a buzzer displaying an X sign, which he thrusts at the offending hack to indicate his disapproval.